Summary Background Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune bullous disease. Whether there is an increased risk for subsequent BP among patients with cancer is still unclear. Objectives To evaluate the risk for subsequent BP in patients with cancer. Methods This nationwide population‐based cohort study was based on data obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database between 2000 and 2011. A total of 36 838 patients with cancer and 147 352 age‐, sex‐ and index‐date‐matched controls were recruited. The hazard ratio (HR) of subsequent BP in the patients with cancer was analysed using a Fine–Gray competing risk regression model with mortality as the competing event. Results The incidence of BP per 100 000 person‐years was 17·2 in the patients with cancer and 19·8 in the controls; therefore, the crude incidence rate ratio was 0·87 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·53–1·36. The HR of subsequent BP in the patients with cancer was 0·47 (95% CI 0·23–0·94) using the Fine‐Gray competing risk regression model. Age (HR 1·05, 95% CI 1·03–1·07), diabetes mellitus (HR 1·69, 95% CI 1·10–2·59) and cerebrovascular disease (HR 2·14, 95% CI 1·36–3·34) were independent risk factors for BP. Conclusions The incidence of BP in patients with cancer was not higher than in the control group. Cancer is not a risk factor for BP. What's already known about this topic? Patients with cerebrovascular or neurological diseases (e.g. dementia, Parkinson disease) have a higher risk of bullous pemphigoid (BP) development. Whether cancer is a risk factor for BP remains controversial. What does this study add? In this population‐based study, there was no increased risk for BP in patients with cancer. Age, diabetes mellitus and cerebrovascular disease were independent risk factors for BP. Respond to this article Linked Comment: Hammers and König. Br J Dermatol 2019; 180:451–452. Plain language summary available online